I'm from the "winging it" school of navigation. The only time the map comes out is if I can't find a road sign to my destination. The best part of travelling sometimes is the getting lost. Some people panic, but, as you've got all your stuff with you, what's to worry about? You can always pitch up where you stop anyway (unless you're in Europe or the USA). I find maps and GPS systems make people too destination orientated (the old target fixation) and they start to worry about where they are, how long it's going to take to get there and miss out on the meeting people and asking directions and enjoying the view aspects of travel. Relax, you'll get there eventually. The only time the winging it school of navigation runs into trouble is when you're trying to specifically avoid somewhere.

How to "wing it":
1. Each night, get a large map (not too detailed or you'll need too many) and try to memorise all the towns on your rough route. These do not have to be in order. Do not get drunk until after you've done this. And do not spend too long on it because a) you'll start memorising the names of towns not on your route (I do this all the time) and b) you waste drinking time.
2. In the morning, pack your stuff, ensuring the map is on the top of your stuff (y'know, near the gaffer tape and waterproofs).
3. Set off, trying not to let your hangover ruin your morning. It should be morning, so you don't really need the compass yet. That big yellow thing that's hurting your eyes, well, that's in the east. If you need to go that way, sorry.
4. Look for road signs. Follow the ones to the towns you recognise the names of. If there are no road signs, keep following the road you're on until you find one. If you still don't find one, find a person. They work like road signs, but they're more hit and miss. Don't forget to ask where you are and use the map as a pointing aid.
5. If you can't find a person or a road sign, you're in a desert. Winging it does not work in deserts. Bad person. Use common sense next time.

Simple rules to follow when winging it:
1. Make sure your tank is full as often as possible.
2. Do not get obsessed with where you're going. There is a good chance you won't get there and an even better chance you'll end up somewhere more interesting. Remember that most roads go somewhere, that's why they were built.
3. Road signs are your friend. Do not ignore them.
4. Do not wing it in deserts (no people or road signs) or war zones. War zones have people who shoot strangers and often road signs are taken down to confuse invaders. You fall under both these categories.
5. Do not expect to do 400+ miles days. Winging it is not for people who are trying to go fast. 200 - 300 miles a day is achievable in well populated areas.
6. Stop frequently. I smoke, so I like to stop for fag breaks every hour or so to enjoy the scenery, have a little drink of water and check my progress.
7. Relax, you're on holiday.

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"On that? You're nuts!" - My cousin's boyfriend

Current Bikes - Kawasaki KLE500 '05 (May 06)
Previous Bikes - Hyosung GF125 (Oct 05 to May 06)